VIDEO PREVIEW: Siege at Arundel Castle

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Published:09:35Friday 13 May 2016

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Arundel Castle plays play host to a thrilling three-day siege event, with visitors on tenterhooks to see who triumphs, throughout the spring bank holiday weekend.

The scene will be set for 1475, with French and English troops pitted against each other in a fierce battle to command control of the castle.

Arundel Castle Siege. Picture: Victoria Dawe

Victory for France would almost certainly trigger an invasion of England, so there is much at stake for both sides.

The thrilling event, from May 28 to 30, will bring together a trio of leading historical interpreters including Raven Tor Living History Group, The Company of St Barbara and the Wessex Medieval Alliance.

Unique to this event on the castle calendar, there will also be an awe-inspiring artillery display with ancient weapons such as medieval mortar, multiple barrelled guns and a five barrelled cannon.

No participants know the fate of Arundel Castle until the closing battle, ensuring a three-day spectacular full of plot twists, tension and breathtaking combat.

Castle manager Bryan McDonald said: “Our May bank holiday Castle Siege is a real highlight of our events calendar, for the castle staff as well as our visitors.

“We are honoured to be able to welcome such talented performers to the castle, and to watch them bring the 15th century to life in such an engaging way.

“The tensions from the battlefield are palpable every year - I particularly enjoy the anticipation that surrounds the climactic battle on bank holiday Monday. It is a delight to see our visitors so intrigued.”

Away from the battlefield, there will be an array of intricate medieval crafts demonstrations taking place in the largest medieval encampment hosted at Arundel Castle to date.

Special event prices apply. Visit www.arundelcastle.org for more information.